MSc-PGDip-PGCert in Transport Planning and Practice
ObjectivesThis industry-focused programme is targeted at forward-thinking graduates from a wide range of disciplines who require specialist learning to aid their development as transport professionals. It enables students to obtain an MSc qualification, attending lectures and workshops presented by top industry-based professionals, with minimal disruption to their work and company needs. The programme will: -Equip graduates with the knowledge and skills required to work on policy development, planning, design, appraisal or delivery of transport schemes -Enable staff working with local authorities, regional government or consultants to study part-time and to have their achievements in the workplace recognised as contributing towards the qualification -The MSc consists of four core modules in transport planning and practice, four elective modules, which can all be transport-specific, and a transport-based project. For students supported by approved companies, the project and one module can be workplace-based. Other qualifications are available for those with limited available time or a narrower training need.
Entry requirementsThe programme is particularly suited to graduates working in this sector of the industry who have the support of their employer. It is also available for students without company support, with the workplace-based sections of the programme being substituted with standard MSc procedures
Academic titleMSc/PGDip/PGCert in Transport Planning and Practice
Course descriptionMSc/PGDip/PGCert in Transport Planning and Practice Module overview
Compulsory Modules
The four compulsory modules are currently only available as lecture-based modules at the University of Surrey. The lectures will be complemented by a tutorial and a revision session in preparation for a three-hour examination. Coursework will also be used as part of the learning and assessment procedures.
Autumn Semester
Transport Policy
National, regional and local transport policy; land use planning; local Transport Plan - process and delivery; transport policy impacts; consultation.
Transport Strategies and Interventions
Demand management; passenger transport; walking and cycling; traffic management techniques; intelligent transport systems.
Spring Semester
Developing Transport Solutions
The module includes: transport modelling - concepts; capacity of highway links and junctions; human response and behaviour; impact of new developments; transport assignment modelling.
Transport Appraisal Methods
The module includes: principles and methods; accessibility; speed management and safety; air quality; traffic noise.
Project or Workplace-based Project
The workplace-based project is available to all students whose employers join the partnership of supporting companies. Students will have academic and company-based supervisors appointed. The two supervisors and the student will plan the project, based on core learning material and company interests. Milestones will be set and the student will be mentored by the industrial supervisor. Full-time students will undertake a similar project with internal academic supervision. Industrial support will be sought, but cannot be guaranteed.
Elective Modules
Design and Analysis of Transport Schemes
Summer short course format covering highway links, modal interchange design, urban traffic control and microsimulation.
Workplace-based Learning
This module can be based around the student's workload, but submission will require additional material on application of learning and broadening of issues and understanding. This option requires students to be linked to partnering companies approved by the University to run and supervise the module and can start at any time.
Specialist modules in preparation for introduction in 2007-08:
-Transport, Energy and Sustainability
-Transportation Psychology
-Geographical Information Systems for Transport Planners
-Transport Modelling
-Asset Management and Maintenance
Broadening modules are available from the following programmes:
-Bridges (including Bridge Management)
-Construction Management (taken at Kingston University)
-Environmental Technology and Sustainability
-Structures
The programme may also offer credit transfers from other appropriate MSc programmes (please seek guidance from the Programme Coordinators).
Typical entry requirements
A good honours degree in a relevant subject or at least four years' industrial experience in the transport planning industry, and the ability to demonstrate an aptitude for the technical and communication skills involved. The guideline for entry is an ambition to develop a career in transport leading to professional qualification.
Programme length
12 months full-time, up to 72 months part-time